A spokesman for the group said: 'This is the worst police response we as a team have ever had.'

The force's Facebook page was flooded with furious comments from members of the public.

Yvette Jaise Redmond commented: 'You should hang your heads in shame for not protecting our kids! It's bad enough someone else has to do the dirty work for you but then you not only refuse to arrest him, you threaten to arrest the people that got him.'

Maria Yeoman said: 'Absolutely disgusting, no resources to take paedophiles off the streets. These hunters are doing your jobs for you, they don't get paid for it like you do. Yet you can't be bothered to go and arrest him once he's been caught.'

Stuart Buchanan added: 'Wow, the officers on duty today should be ashamed of themselves. Refusing to even attend a sting on an alleged paedophile. How do you sleep at night?'

Responding to the criticism, Warwickshire Police warned members of the public not to take the law into their own hands.

The force said it is looking into its initial response to the incident and confirmed the suspect had been released on bail pending further investigation.

Warwickshire Police Superintendent Ben Smith said: 'This matter was initially reported to us by members of the public who are part of a group concerned with possible sex offences against children.

'We know that such groups are well-intentioned. However, in general, their actions could potentially put vulnerable children and police investigations at risk and jeopardise any future court proceedings that may take place.

'Protecting children is always our priority, but it’s also a complex issue and should be left to the police and other child protection agencies.'